TOM ADEYEMI COMPLETES MOVE TO BLUEBIRDS

Tom has a physical presence, drive and energy – up and down the pitch. He can dictate games."

Ole Gunnar Solksjær

Cardiff City Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Tom Adeyemi. The highly-rated central midfielder links up with the Bluebirds from Birmingham City for an undisclosed fee.

Twenty-two year old Tom completed his medical, prior to putting pen to paper on a three-year deal at Cardiff City Stadium. He will train with the Bluebirds on Thursday morning, ahead of travelling with Ole Gunnar Solskjær and his new teammates to Blackburn for Friday evening’s opening 2014/15 Sky Bet Championship fixture.

Born in Norwich, Tom began his professional career with Norwich City in 2008 as a 17 year old, prior to experiencing loan spells at Bradford City, Oldham Athletic and Brentford in subsequent seasons. He signed a permanent deal with Birmingham ahead of the 2013/14 season, making 40 appearances for a Blues side that for a short spell featured fellow new Bluebird, Federico Macheda.

Speaking exclusively to Cardiff City Player after completing his move, Tom said: “From the outside looking in, Cardiff City has a very strong squad that will challenge for a quick return to the Premier League this season.

“I took no persuading from the Manager to come here. It was a fantastic opportunity for me to work with somebody like him and to play for a club like Cardiff City. I’m very pleased that everything has been completed ahead of the season and now I can focus on fighting for a place in the side and helping us get the season off to a great start.”

Equally thrilled was Ole Gunnar Solskjær, when speaking to Cardiff City Player ahead of his Thursday morning Media Conference. He said: “I’ve been keeping an eye on Tom’s progress for a very long time. A few years ago, my Manchester United reserve side played against Norwich’s first team and Tom was their standout player. He scored a great goal that day and stood out as a fine talent, even at that young age.

“Tom has a physical presence, drive and energy – up and down the pitch. He can dictate games and is great at winning and anticipating second balls. We’ve been interested all summer and I’m thrilled we’ve got our man ahead of the season kick-off.

“You need consistent performers in this league and Tom is one of those players who will fit in with Whitts, Gunnar and KG in that central midfield area. Those are guys that you can trust every single week to perform – they are all Premier League quality. We are looking to the future and we want Tom and the others playing for us in the top flight next year.

“What’s more, Tom is an intelligent young man with a great personality – the kind of character we want around the training ground. He plays with a smile on his face and we’re very much looking forward to seeing him perform for Cardiff City.”

Tom will wear the number 18 shirt for the 2014/15 season. You can see his full welcome interview on In the City, below.